Kerry Statement on the Release of the DNC Voting Rights Institute Ohio Rep

[sabra]

<<SNIP>>
http://kerry.senate.gov/v3/cfm/record.cfm?id=239315

Kerry Statement on the Release of the DNC Voting Rights Institute Ohio Report

“It couldn't be more clear from this far reaching study that America has some serious work to do to strengthen our democracy and secure the fundamental rights of all our citizens. The findings of the Ohio Election Report strike at the core of our most cherished values of freedom and equal opportunity, and should concern every American no matter their political party, who they voted for or their racial and economic backgrounds.

“Our democracy is only as strong as the people's faith that their voice counts and their votes will be counted. It is unacceptable that forty years after the Voting Rights Act, Americans are still being denied their fundamental rights and protections under the law.

“I compliment Governor Dean, Donna Brazile and the DNC Ohio Investigation Team for this thorough report that documents the abuses we fought against in neighborhoods, the courts and at the polls. The recommendations for future action are critical. I suggest another important measure - that any pattern of voter challenges based on race should be a per se violation of our civil rights and voting rights laws and Congress must address them in the reauthorization of the Voting Rights Act in 2007.

“As we head into the 20005 and 2006 elections, I will work with the DNC and Democratic, Republican and Independent leaders across the country to implement the recommendations of this report and restore faith in American democracy. We must insist on reform at every level to stop voter suppression, strengthen voting rights and secure funding for election officials to purchase reliable and verifiable voting machines so that the discrepancies the voting rights team found in Ohio do not occur again.


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[SteppingRazor]

1. As usual, the man says a lot while saying little

Kerry, your own party says you got screwed. If that 3% of voters that gave up because ofg the long lines and went home had actually voted, you might be president. Where's the freakin' outrage?

[mod mom]

7. BLackwell uses Ohio Dems own words to denounce report!

Blackwell uses Franklin Co. Dem Chairman's words to back no racial problem
Edited on Thu Jun-23-05 09:16 AM by mod mom

in vote. WE NEED NEW DEM LEADERSHIP IN OHIO, YET THE DNC LET THOSE IN CHARGE IN OHIO, BE ON THE COMMITTEE THAT INVESTIGATED THE ELECTION. THIS IS WHY WE HAVE A REPORT THAT SAYS NO FRAUD!
from today's Toledo Blade:
Republican Rep. Bob Ney, who represents Ohio's 18th District, held hearings about the election in Ohio as chairman of the House Administration Committee.
He disputes the report's contention that there was racial discrimination in the vote, especially in Franklin Country, where Columbus is located.
His office issued a statement yesterday saying, "The inherent problem with theories such as this though is that they are in contradiction to extensive testimony under oath to the House Administration Committee earlier this year by a number of Ohio election officials including Bill Anthony who is not only chairman of the Board of Elections in Franklin County, but is also a leader in the black community and chairman of the local Democratic Party."
Mr. Anthony testified in March that he drove around Franklin County in the rain and found long lines in urban and suburban neighborhoods, black and white communities, and Democrat and Republican precincts.
www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20050623...
This is the same Bill Anthony who stated those who said otherwise were conspiracy theorists! (same House Administration Hearing) I don't care if Blackwell and Anthony are African American, there was widespread inequalities in the African American vote in Ohio! WE NEED NEW LEADERSHIP IN OHIO!!!!

[LittleClarkie]

11. He's had it off and on since then

There was a lovely speech on Martin Luther King Day that sounded like he was quite outraged by the suppression.

But, sadly, he got yelled at for making it. Talking about minority suppressed on the special day of a civil rights icon was inappropriate.

He could set himself on fire, and people would say he was pandering to the firefighter's union.

He could sneeze, and people would ask if it were with or against the wind.

He could make a really good statement about something, and people would say, and have said, "Really good statement, Kerry. Now sit down and shut up."

Eh, whatever.

[Tom Rinaldo]

2. Anyone know where to find the Report? n/t

[Goldeneye]

3. here ...

http://www.democrats.org/vri/ohioreport/index.html

[sabra]

4. here

http://www.democrats.org/vri/ohioreport/index.html

[mod mom]

5. NOT THOROUGH! What about faux homeland security alert, triad tape, Lucas

County BOE investigation Report? Why wasn't Conyers involved? Why were Ohio Politicians included (who might lose job with a bad report) but not activists who investigated? Why wasn't material compiled by Bob Fitrakis, Richard Hayes Phillips, CASE ,J-30 and others examined?

"thorough" implies all avenues were investigated NOT THE CASE!!!!

LET CONYERS LEAD AN INVESTIGATION W FULL SUBPOENA POWER, THEN WE WILL BELIEVE AN INVESTIGATION OCCURRED!

[Mass]

6. Ask the DNC

They did the report.

[mod mom]

8. Believe I have tried, look at the make-up of their commission. Conyers

should have been selected, as this Judiciary Committee played an important role in holding hearings in Ohio. I would love to hear Rep Conyers comments on this report!

[Politicub]

9. Kerry goes on to say...

"And to placate those republicans who may feel offended by this report, I am offering up my well lubed ass for you to plow. Right now I am bent over a post awaiting George W and the rest of the Senate GOP to step up behind me and give me a good ass shag. As I am being drilled, I want you to remember that our democracy is strong and I have your back -- just like the GOP has my backside.

And let America hear my words far and wide -- I am going to address these wrongs with hyperbole and meaningless drivel. And let it be said here today, I am going to give this report as much attention and care that I have provided for the Downing Street memoes. That is to say, about four minutes. That is all."

[mod mom]

10. LMAO! nt